Rouge’s office is also there.
Were they looking for something?
Too many puzzle pieces, but not enough to get a full picture of what’s going on.
I return my focus to the phone. “Thank you, Pia. I appreciate your intel.”
“Of course, Doctor.” She reassumes the vampish voice she answered the call with. “While I have you, any chance you’d be interested in grabbing a drink this evening?”
Normally, my horny ass would jump at the opportunity.
But ever since Bianca…
“No, thank you, Pia. Have a good night.”
I end the call.
24
BIANCA
I made it.
I fucking made it.
At least, I’m making it further than I have in ten years in this godforsaken city.
I may have screwed up the dance callback, but clearly my sides and songs won the audition panel over.
Mr. Shippe went back into the room for a few moments after dismissing the bulk of the girls who were invited for the Lisa callback. Now the door swings wide open and the choreographer, director, and pianist exit. They each smile as they pass me, but… Is that sympathy in their eyes?
Mr. Shippe comes out.
“Bianca Montrose?”
I jump to my feet a little too enthusiastically. But fuck it, I’m excited about it. “Yes, Mr. Shippe?”
He gestures inside the audition room. “Would you come in for a moment, dear?”
I wrinkle my forehead. “But the other people on the panel left.”
“They’re grabbing a quick cup of coffee.” He shrugs. “We won’t need them for right now.”
I narrow my eyes. Shouldn’t they be in the room as well?
Then again, Mr. Shippe is the producer. He’s the one making the final decisions. The rest of the people on the casting panel act more as advisors than decision-makers. Maybe he’ll be recording the callback and sharing it with them later.
I walk inside, and Mr. Shippe closes the door behind him. He slowly crosses the room and sits on the audition table, keeping his eyes on me the entire time.
“I’m going to be honest with you, Bianca. The panel loved your audition.”
“Thank you.”
He holds up a hand. “But we both know you screwed up the dance combo.”
My heart sinks. “I’d be happy to do it again. I had it down perfectly. My ankle just gave out. Probably just nerves.”
Mr. Shippe chuckles. “If nerves can affect your audition, they can affect your performance. I’ve watched a lot of dance auditions, sweetheart. I know when a girl needs to fix her technique.”
